Giant Tortoises
Encounter the iconic Galápagos giant tortoise — some living over 150 years — at the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado tortoise breeding centre, just a short drive from the hotel.
Explore
The Galápagos
A World Like No Other
The Galápagos Islands are one of the world's most extraordinary natural destinations — a living laboratory of evolution where wildlife roams free and the landscape feels untouched by time. Located 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, these volcanic islands inspired Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection and continue to captivate scientists, naturalists, and travellers from around the globe.
San Cristóbal Island, home to Hotel Katarma, is the oldest of the Galápagos Islands and the only one with a source of fresh water. It is the perfect base for exploring the archipelago's incredible biodiversity — from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and an astonishing array of marine life.
13Major Islands
1,000 kmFrom Ecuador's coast
9,000+Species of wildlife
1978UNESCO World Heritage Site
Snorkelling & Diving
Plunge into crystal-clear waters teeming with sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and colourful reef fish. The waters around San Cristóbal offer some of the best diving in the world.
Unique Wildlife
Walk among blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies that show no fear of humans. The Galápagos is one of the few places on Earth where wildlife and people coexist in such close proximity.
Pristine Beaches
Relax on the white sands of La Lobería or Playa Mann, where sea lions bask in the sun just metres away. The beaches of San Cristóbal are among the most beautiful and unspoiled in the Pacific.
Marine Iguanas
Watch the world's only ocean-going lizard sunbathe on black lava rocks and dive into the sea to graze on algae. Marine iguanas are found nowhere else on Earth.
More Island Activities
Hike to Cerro Tijeretas for panoramic views and frigatebird spotting, surf the waves at Playa La Lobería and Tongo Reef, kayak across the bay at Playa Mann, explore the volcanic highlands, and visit El Junco — the only freshwater crater lake in the Galápagos.
Activities You Can Do On Your Own
- 1
Sunbathe with sea lions and snorkel in crystal blue waters
Playa La Loberia, Playa Mann, Punta Carola and Playa de Oro are perfect for a day of fun in the sun. They are great for snorkeling as well — you'll find playful sea lions, star fish, colorful schools of fish, sea turtles and more. These beaches are only 15–30 minutes from Katarma by walking, or a 5-minute taxi ride.
- 2
Learn the history of the Galápagos and go birding at Cerro Tijeretas
Visit the Interpretation Center to explore the colonial past of these enchanted islands. There is also a trail from there leading to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), which has several viewpoints perfect for spotting frigate birds and watching the sun set. The Interpretation Center is a 20-min walk from Katarma, or a 5-minute taxi ride.
- 3
Ride the waves on the island's best surf spots
Playa La Loberia, Punta Carola and Tongo Reef have waves for every kind of surfer. These beaches are all a 15–30 min walk from Katarma, or a 5-minute taxi ride.
- 4
Paddle around the crystal-clear waters of the bay
Rent a kayak at Playa Mann, and paddle around the bay toward the northern coast. Snorkel at the cove below Cerro Tijeretas, and swim with sea turtles and sea lions. We recommend renting a kayak from Huellas de Darwin, a tour operator located just 50 meters from Playa Mann. They also have snorkeling gear and bikes available, and can arrange other tours as well.
- 5
Explore the highlands
Start the morning off in Puerto Chino, a beach with crystal-clear waters where you can spot blue-footed boobies. Making your way back toward Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, stop by La Galapaguera, the only breeding center in the Galápagos where the tortoises live in semi-natural habitats. Then admire the lush vegetation and frigate birds bathing in El Junco, a volcanic crater lake with the only source of freshwater in the Galápagos. Hire a taxi for this day trip — or rent a bike for a more strenuous adventure.
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Visit El Progreso and La Soledad
The first human settlement on San Cristóbal Island, El Progreso is a quaint little town worth exploring for an afternoon. Take a tour of a coffee plantation and visit the Manuel J. Cobos Sugar Mill ruins. Pick fresh papaya and guava from a finca, and have lunch at the Otoy Restaurant and Organic Farm. Then visit the Casa del Ceibo, an enormous ceiba tree with a house where you can have a coffee — and even stay the night! A taxi to El Progreso costs $3.
- 7
Learn about coffee production firsthand
Spend the day at Finca Ecoturística Guadalupe and learn how the famous coffee of the Galápagos as well as sugarcane and local fruit jams are produced. Located in Cerro Gato in the highlands, this farm also has walking trails and waterfalls to explore. Hire a taxi for this day trip and discover the rich highlands of San Cristóbal.
Ready to Explore?
Stay at Hotel Katarma and let us help you discover the wonders of the Galápagos. Our team can arrange guided tours, snorkelling trips, and island excursions tailored to your interests.
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